How I Begun...

My first step was of course to take the photos, which was actually harder then you'd think... The crucial thing is to try and remove as much perspective as possible by getting as square onto the front of the subject as possible - an element I admit I struggled with.

The next step was to look at the subjects objectively and break down the shapes that make them up. Some aspects were a little challenging, the curved windows for example. However, once you get to grips with the basic elements it is pretty smooth sailing from there on.

Adding in the fine detail...

As with most things, once you get going and get the foundations in, the windows and doors etc, it begins to look half decent. Once that's out of the way you can start drilling down to the fine detail.

One problem with digitally creating things is that it's just too perfect!

In the digital world everything is flat, perfectly 100% mathematically flat. Which is problematic when you're trying to make something look real, as nothing in the real world is that perfect. So, to try create something that feels authentic and looks genuine you have to make a few imperfections here and there.

The other problem is knowing when to stop. You can't just keep adding or it just won't look quite right.

If you've ever gone into a room for example and look around at how much stuff is within that room - it is deceiving how much there actually is. I can remember trying to populate an empty room for a film project once, I was amazed how much stuff you actually need to make something to look lived in and make it feel right.

So, in the case of these buildings, it was certainly a hard task to try and capture the mixture of old and new. I am happy to say I am pleased with the outcome!

Trying to capture the history...

When it comes to older buildings, there's an added challenge. Imagine a cross section of the earth for example. You can see the centuries of sand and rock  that have built up. Take that concept and and try and imagine if you could do that to the buildings, there'd be years of history you could in a way easily just wipe off. The challenge is to capture the history and somehow soak it into the projects.

What I am trying to say is, to make it feel authentic you have to be a little particular in the way you add small details like shadow and texture. You have to take the environment into account.

The final outcome!

I loved creating this little street image and adding to my portfolio of various creations. I am so pleased with the final outcome and excited for my next challenge!